Light in Fungi: Photoreception, Metabolism Regulation and Current Biotechnological Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Sunlight is a very important environmental signal for every living organism, and it can be considered crucial for effective competition and survival in nature. In fungi, which are able to detect light stimuli via various protein receptors, light controls several processes, e.g., metabolic processes, developmental decisions, physiological adaptations, morphogenesis, the circadian clock and cellular stress response. Therefore, the reaction of fungi to a light signal is multidirectional and varies across fungal species. In recent years, it has been repeatedly proven that in response to light, fungi can change their global gene expression profile and, consequently, influence metabolism and numerous signal transduction pathways. Changes in response to light have been observed in the metabolism of many important metabolites and macromolecules. The research conducted so far in the field of fungal photobiology focuses on the physiological importance of light for fungi, as well as on the regulation of metabolism and enzyme activity by light and the possibility of using this property to improve biotechnological processes.

The proposed Special Issue will cover all aspects of the influence of light on fungi, with importance in the fields of biochemistry, genetics and biotechnology, and will highlight possible areas for development. At the same time, research or review papers contributing significantly to a better understanding of fungal photobiology and light-based regulation of metabolism, especially using “-omics” techniques and molecular methods, are highly welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to give greater value to the present project.

Dr. Anna Pawlik
Guest Editor

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